The Kingdom of Rynial has flourished for 500 years, all in thanks to the Lianial Wall. However, signs show that the wall has begun to weaken and a Life Mage, which could save the kingdom, hasn't been seen in some 300 years. Fear slowly stirs and whispers.

The crowds cheered, throwing flower petals and colorful confetti on to the street as the parade marched by. Jesters turned their tricks, juggling, spitting fire, and the like, none of which contained any magical, only pure talent. Following them, a dozen of the Shield in their black uniforms, faces wearing strict, emotionless masks. They were elite guards, an order that had one purpose, their duty to the crown. They marched three columns wide and four rows deep, each astride a black or silver steed, obedient and unwavering from their stride.

Behind followed the heir to the crown, Prince Zander along with his sister, Melfina. Their horses pranced along, decorated in hues of blue and silver and whispering bells. Zander’s dappled gray stallion showed no fear or concern for the noise, if anything, he seemed encouraged by it, ears perked forward, showing off for his master. Melfina’s palomino mare was a bit calmer, trained for a smooth stride so that she did not jostle her side-saddle rider about. The two waved steadily as they made their way along the street.

Next, trotted a pair of white horses draped in ribbons of blue, chiming bells along the traces, pulling along a decorative carriage. In the carriage, the King and Queen sat, waving to the cheering crowds, hand in hand and smiling cheerfully. They were adored by the kingdom, their unwavering bond an inspiration. It was thanks to the couple that the kingdom continued to live in peace and prosperity.

Behind them followed Troy and Ruben, third and fourth born respectively. The two were almost night and day. Where Troy was muscular, stern, and almost frightening, Ruben was soft in expression, kind and caring, taking more so after his mother. Troy’s silver stallion’s mane was cropped short, much like his own, the muscular animal trotting sideways, while Ruben’s roan pranced along calmly.

Trailing, as she often did, was the youngest, Deja. She waved, only to keep her mother from fussing later. The whole pomp and circumstance was so very tiresome. Unlike her older sister, she rode forward, her black mare chomping at the bit. The horse was small, yet elegant, and just as feisty as her mistress. The horse had ripped the ribbons and bells off, and thus was bare of the royal colors. Deja kept a firm grip on her animal, patiently working with her. It was one of the few things she had patience for.

Unfortunately, Deja wasn’t as lucky as her mare. The horse was an animal. She was a princess. And thus, a small silver crown sat on her head, as did her siblings, though her own was more simplistic with only a few small gems, her dark brown hair pulled back neatly into a single plait, a ribbon weaving through it. Rather than a dress, she wore soft silver leather trousers, similar to her brothers’, deep blue tunic with silver hems, the house insignia embroidered on her chest.

She stifled the urge to yawn, forcing the smile to remain. It would be much easier to turn Rian around and thunder past the guards behind her and take a run through the ranching district. However, that would cause all kinds of chaos, anger, yelling, fussing… No, sitting through the misery of this parade was best in the end. Later she could have her freedom, whether or not it was allowed. Her parents had become a bit more concerned and strict. The whispered rumors of the Wall weakening were becoming more abundant, and not wanting anything to happen to their precious baby, getting a breath of fresh air was difficult.

Rian started impatiently, charging a few feet before she was quickly controlled again. Ignoring the look from her two brothers ahead and the startled sounds from the crowds, she focused on the nearing end point, the gates of the palace. There would be a quick, hopefully, word from her father, and then a retreat.

Zefira knew the royal parade was today, so she had set up shop(her deep green tent was pitched with the collapsible deep pine table with a midnight blue cloth) a little more in the middle of the city than she normally liked. Her mood was not improved by the twins-the excited mood of the crowds had infected them too, making them small clumsy rockets around the tent. She finally resorted to a chamomile lavender tea to calm them while she set her goods on the table. The procession had started. Zefira tched in irritation. Curse her oversleeping! The entertainment had passed, so some watchers had begun browsing the square-those less interested in the royalty than the fun. A few sales made of the most popular blends-the pain soothers, the sleep aids, the birth preventions. The royal family started passing. The boys were all lovely and royal in their bearing, but it was the daughter, Princess Deja, that held Zefira's interest. There is a child with fire in her eyes. There was a great potential for turbulence in that child...

"Mama, watch out!" shouted Skarde. Zefira gasped.

"Oh thank you, sweet. Mama was thinking and almost singed her hand." The woman put the cauldron over the coals she had been heating. Really, she thought, how careless! That princess has left your mind addled. Zefira bustled about her booth, preparing a lunch for her little family.

The palace grounds came into view, a small dais outside the gate for whatever speech or greeting her father had to share. There would likely be some joke or banter about how Zan needed to find a wife before he lost his youth, a reward offered to whatever man or woman could find a potential bride he would accept. Zan would struggle to not turn red and brush it off. After that, she would rush off and do as she pleased, perhaps find her dear friend. Finding time to be with her friend was rare, especially since she no longer was part of the court. Damn her for being able to just leave it behind!She shifted her gaze along the streets at the vendor tents, wondering what it'd be like to walk freely in the daylight and browse the goods. To eat at a diner or cafe, or hang out with friends. To watch the parade rather than being the center of attention. Rian snorted, pulling at the reins as Deja's grasp tensed on them. Sighing, she loosened the grasp, patting the mare's neck, forcing the smile back and continued the waving. Her gaze passed over another tent of dark green, watching the two kids dart about and the woman (or mother) return the cauldron of sorts to some smoldering fire remains. She wondered what it was like to have a simple lunch rather than some ridiculous meal.Oh wait, she had that once. Except it had been less than simple. In fact, it had been stale bread and her own doing that lead to that excuse of a meal. She grinned at the memories, ignoring what had happened when the search group had caught up. Of course, that had been some time ago and she had been forced to grow up and responsible since then. However, rebellious thoughts still rose and were becoming more difficult to ignore. She glanced one last time at the vendor and her small family, curious to what she sold as Rian trotted past. Perhaps she could sneak back. Really, she had no real comitments scheduled today. Lost in thought and not paying much attention to what was going on, and really, why should she? Nothing ever interrupted them. In her obliviousness, she didn't see the child dart out after a toy rolling by and in front of her high-strung horse. Reality quickly came back in a jolt as Rian reared, some child screaming and threw the ball at the horse out of fear. There were shouts and cries, though all Deja recognized was that she was staring at the blue sky and had a sensation of ...falling, the reins slipping from her grasp, Rian whinnying her displeasure. Her brothers watched in useless shock as she fell, tumbling from the mare's back and onto the cobblestone. It happened so quick, and yet, so slow, that no one was quite able to reach her to save her from the hard drop. Rian turned on her haunches, darting past her stunned mistress and down the streets. Deja sputtered, the wind knocked out of her lungs and back end throbbing. Damned horse.

Alarmed, Zefira pushed aside a flap of her tent to rush towards the young princess, offering her arms and self for support.

"Highness, are you alright? May I assist you? If you are in pain or injured, I could make a poultice or tisane to ease any discomfort or injury."

Her interest in helping a fellow being brought her children tottering after, curious as to what provoked such a response in their mother. Her son, being a rather thoughtful boy, said,

"Mama, she's short. Why's she short like that?"

Zefira flushed more in anger than embarrassment.

"Torin! I have taught you better than that, son. Apologize to the princess this instant or you shall have no stories at bedtime." The boy sheepishly grasped the back of his mother's skirt and mumbled a sincere apology, peeping at the princess afterword. He then ran back to the tent, prompting Skarde to follow in a spontaneous game of chase.

Deja could only stare at the woman, some what shocked it wasn't a guard or one of her brothers. She accepted a hand up, waving off the guards as they moved to interfere and block the child. Still dazed by the fall, she only frowned slightly at the question of her height. ..or lack thereof.She watched as he ran off and looked back ...up to their mother. Her slow mind eventually recalled the question and she shook her head. "No, no. I'm fine," she replied, taking the reins of mare as it was returned, frowning at the animal. "The horse may be another story," she grumbled."Really, though, its nothing more than a bumped head, bruised arse, and dented pride," she added, stubbornly acting strong. Perhaps there wasn't that much of a dent in her pride. Perhaps a tiny ding.

"I might be able to mix something up for a 'bruised arse and dented pride' if you like. The horse on the other hand is out of my hands-I haven't the talent for animal healing. However, your guards are enthusiastic in their approach, so I will leave them to their careers. May your afternoon be blessed, highness."

The half elf bowed, one arm forward, before turning to attend her tent and her family. It seemed the twins were entertaining a few customers with enthusiastic, if confusing, storytelling. It would be best to rescue them before it led to disaster. Again.

Deja nodded slightly, offering a smile, "As your's. And thank you for your offer, Healer," she replied, watching her return to her tent before mounting, hurrying in doing so before one of the guards reached her and started up a fuss. She nudged the mare forward, keeping her back straight and (as) tall (as possible.) She passed her brothers who no longer seemed concerned, especially since she had bounced back so quick. Upon reaching her parents' carriage, she stopped the horse to assure them she was fine. Assured, but demanding she stick close to the carriage in case she have a delayed reaction, her father signaled the parade to continue and finish.

The rest of the parade went fairly quickly, only a short distance left to cover. Reaching the gates to the castle, they stopped and her father mounted the dais to make some speech. Tired, and not wanting to hear it, Deja snuck away, leaving her mare with the stablehand and snuck in through the servant's entrance. She requested one of the servants to deliver a meal to the healer who had offered her help on the streets, and telling her to hurry so that she wouldn't have to search for her later. She picked up one of the peaches from the table and made her exit through one of the various servant tunnels that would land her somewhat close to her room without having to meet too many people.

Asca had been waiting for that idiotic parade to be finished. Her timing couldn't be that off-it never was! Well, rarely. She munched on yet another peach as she waited. Paced. Practiced dodging and knifing. Trust Deja to be late back from something she didn't even want to do! Asca finished the peach and tossed the pit to sit next to the three others, all picked clean. As she considered arranging them out of sheer boredom, footsteps were heard. Familiar footsteps. If it weren't for the whole being a criminal, Asca would've run out of the room to rush to her friend. It had been so long after all since she'd last gotten to visit. A month at least!

Deja, walking with her eyes more or less closed, the path well remembered, and her head still dully aching, walked right into Asca as she turned the corner. There was a slight noise of being startled, but a quick reflex to grab for the person's arm, an orb appearing in the other hand. In a flash, she went from princess to someone quite dangerous, and in another, upon recognizing her friend, dropped it all together. "Asca! Wh.. Wh.. You. ...How the hell did you get down here?!" she demanded, perhaps not the best greeting but damnit! She startled her and made her head ache more. However, the grin obviously said she was happy to see her friend.

Asca took a few minutes to remember the expression on Deja's face, laughing till her eyes watered.

"Oh that never gets old! Ha ha...Well glad to see you too, Princess. You've got windows, don't you? It's okay-everyone seems to make the mistake of putting them in all buildings." She smiled impishly.

"Soo...I've been thinking. Been a while since you and I had any fun, right? Well I've got some interesting little tidbits about the Fourth Territory...A mysterious treasure, some lore, dragons, that kind of thing. Wouldn't suppose you'd be interested in....a trip?" Asca played it coy, trying to stay casual so Deja wouldn't notice how interested Asca was in this trip. There were other rumors too to investigate. The young woman picked up another piece of fruit and examined it, her golden eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.

She glared at the formal title, crossing her arms over her chest in mock offense. However, the offer was tempting, though provided a few difficulties. Such as going without being seen. And then staying away once she was discovered missing. There were many difficulties for her in getting away that didn't exist for Asca.

Too much more of the castle and pomp and circumstance, however, and she was certain her brain would rot and her soul would die. Well, that or she would explode and the castle along with it. She had, afterall, collapsed a tunnel in a similar method by accident.

Coy as she may have been, Deja knew her friend better than that and that she was attracted by the idea of treasure and adventure. She was as well, no denying it, but more so by adventure than treasure. She couldn't give in too easily, no. There would be no fun in that.

"First of all, Ms. Thief, don't mock me or I'll throw you in the dungeon below and save the guards the trouble," she replied with a haughty smirk. "And then there would be no adventure for you~"She turned, moving away from the door to the other side of the room so that it would be more difficult for anyone to hear them. "I don't know Asca... As tempting as it is, it's not so easy for me to up and leave anymore. And if you hadn't left the court, there wouldn't be such a gap in our fun, lady!" she replied, sounding faintly bitter at the last thought. She frowned deeply, looking as if she was quickly making her mind up on a 'no' and not going to go.